Three Perfect Days: Trinidad and Tobago

This Caribbean nation proudly celebrated 50 years of independence in 2012—but with its sublime landscapes, sensational food, riotously fun nightlife and vibrant culture drawing a new generation of appreciative visitors, the best is yet to come

Author Sam Polcer
Photography Sam Polcer

The Lion House, family home of V.S. Naipaul

WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE BEAUTY OF THE CARIBBEAN, said the poet Derek Walcott, “the sigh of History dissolves.” This may be especially true of Trinidad and Tobago, the dual-island nation in which Walcott has spent much of his adult life, and which possesses such an abundance of natural splendor it’s a wonder anyone here can recall what they did yesterday.

But memory, it turns out, plays a big part in the life of these islands, which were first settled 7,000 years ago. Their modern history dates back to their “discovery” by Christopher Columbus in 1498, followed by colonization, economic exploitation and, in 1962, independence. Given the extraordinarily diverse population (dubbed “Trinbagonians”), which claims origins primarily in Asia, Africa and Europe, celebrating heritage is one of the things Trinidad and Tobago does best—yielding a kaleidoscope of sensory riches that both honors old traditions and combines them to create new ones.

Wrapping the nation’s yearlong 50th birthday celebration while gearing up for February’s Carnival, the cosmopolitan, passionate and proud Trinidadian capital, Port of Spain, works and plays as hard as any place in the Caribbean. But when it does come time to relax, idyllic, lightly developed Tobago has enough hidden waterfalls, secluded coves and thickets of tropical greenery to refresh the weariest of souls. It’s the best of both worlds.

5 Responses to “Three Perfect Days: Trinidad and Tobago”

I want to thank the Company for acknowledging Trinidad and Tobago . A great place to visit and rubbed shoulders with the locals , everyone needs to experience the trueness of this historical Country. thanks

I am so happy that UNITED Hemispheres did Three Perfect Days: Trinidad & Tobago. My hubby and I visit the twin island republic every year for carnival (for the past 9 years or so). I love Trini people, the food and carnival.

Also as an island girl, from St.Lucia (though I now live in Virginia), I thought it necessary to mention that the poet Derek Walcott is St.Lucian. He is one of two Nobel Laureates from St.Lucia.

My name is usha & my family in the U.S. Houston TX works for United. I have benefits with ur Airline & ur the best. I’ve flown to India, China, Ireland & always had the best treatment with all airline employees. also took part in ur airplane magazine contests. i live in Trinidad&tobago & it’s an honor for ur airline 2 show our country. THE QUEENS PARK SAVANNAH IS THE BIGGEST ROUND-A-BOUT IN THE WORLD. We also have the PITCH LAKE IN POINT FORTIN- which is 1 of the 7 wonders of the world. Right now our Government is building Highways which will take u to alot of the rural areas which is beautiful, our PRIME MINISTER is from this area, & the highway will take u 2 the pitch lake in no time. OUR MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY WAS FIFA’S VICE PRESIDENT, MR BARACK OBAMA WAS HERE ABOUT 2 YRS AGO AT THE HYATT REGENCY IN POS FOR THE SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS.We have MAYARO-TOCO-CEDROS-CHAGUARAMAS,4 CORNERS OF TRINIDAD & we have in TOBAGO 15 mins by air the NYLON POOL IN THE MIDDLE OG THE OCEAN WHERE U CAN BATHE IT’S KNEE DEEP & also the BUCCO REEF WHERE U TAKE A TOUR WITH THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT.THANK U FOR HIGHLIGHTING OUT TWIN ISLAND.